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A new cruise ship is in the works. What that means for vacation travelers and Miami

The cruise industry, which employs thousands of people in South Florida and brings millions of tourists to the region, has a new ship in the works.

Doral-based Carnival Corp. has ordered a new Excel-class ship, the 10th in that class in the company’s global fleet, the company said on Tuesday. Carnival signed an agreement with German shipbuilder Meyer Werft to have the 180,000-ton vessel ready for passengers by spring 2027. Excel is Carnival’s largest and newest category of cruise ship.

The development is yet another sign that the cruise industry is back from COVID.

What Carnival executive says

“Coming out of the pandemic, demand is great,” Christine Duffy, president of Carnival Cruise Line, said Tuesday at an Axios event at The Hanger in Coconut Grove. “You see a lot more capacity moving into particularly the U.S. market.”

That has been evident at Florida’s major seaports: PortMiami, Port Canaveral and Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale, which have built new terminals or welcomed new cruise companies.

During the 12-month fiscal year 2023 —which for the cruise industry began Oct. 1, 2022, and ended Sept. 30, 2023 — PortMiami, Florida’s largest port, set a record for annual passengers. During that time, 7.3 million passengers traveled in and out, nearly twice the four million passengers the prior fiscal year.

Travel through PortMiami exceeded by 7% its previous record of 6.8 million passengers set in fiscal year 2019, before the pandemic disrupted the popular vacation industry.

Carnival’s new ship

Carnival’s new ship, its first new order in five years, can carry over 6,400 guests and will be powered on a liquefied natural gas technology platform.

It will be the fourth Excel-class ship in the company’s namesake Carnival Cruise Line brand and a sister to Mardi Gras, Carnival Celebration, and Carnival Jubilee.

The company, which carries 13 million passengers per year, said that Excel-class ships have proven popular with passengers and will allow it to offer more cruises.

This would be the company’s second new ship to be completed between now and 2027. The other is expected to be delivered in 2025.

Starting in 2027, the company sees itself adding one or two ships a year.

The Miami-Dade company is also seeking to improve its financial performance, including reducing its approximately $36 billion in debt, Duffy said.

“We are very committed to focusing on the balance sheet,” the executive said in a 16-minute Q&A with Dan Primack, a business editor at Axios.

Carnival currently has 93 ships and 120,000 employees.

Duffy, who as a teenager sought to work as a flight attendant but was rejected by Pan American Airways for being too short, got her start in the travel industry as a receptionist.

At her Coconut Grove appearance, she also addressed several other issues related to the company:

▪ On whether the company felt pressure to outdo competitor Royal Caribbean’s recently launched Icon of the Seas, the world’s largest cruise ship: “Years ago, Carnival Cruise Line delivered and built the biggest ship — Carnival Destiny. I think at this point, size does not really matter so much.”

▪ On the case of two Americans who last week alleged they were attacked and raped while onshore in the Bahamas during a Carnival cruise: “That specific incident is under investigation. And until that’s concluded we are advising our guests not to go to that beach or resort. ... We met with Bahamian government officials on Friday and we are working closely with them.”

She did not address an incident involving a Carnival ship hitting a pier last week in Ocho Rios, Jamaica. The chartered rock and roll cruise was forced to abandon the first pier it docked at due to high winds after many passengers were already on shore.

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Carnival Jubilee first look: Throwback decor, creative cocktails and an ocean theme

Editor's Note

I knew there was a reason I was drawn to the Center Stage Bar on Carnival Jubilee, Carnival Cruise Line 's newest ship and the third in the Excel Class . But I couldn't quite put my finger on what it was. The bar — along with several other dining venues and the onboard shops — wasn't open during my two-night sailing prior to the ship's first voyage with paying passengers. But each time I passed by it in Grand Central, one of the ship's six zones, I couldn't help staring.

During dinner one night, following a discussion with fellow journalists and some of the cruise line's public relations team, it hit me: Its "midcentury modern meets '80s neon" vibe seemed to draw distinctly from the influence of Joe Farcus, the interior designer and architect responsible for Carnival's quirky decor for more than 30 years.

It wasn't just the one bar, either. Conflicting styles that worked surprisingly well together were a theme that kept repeating on board. Carnival Jubilee is, after all, a throwback ship, designed to pay homage to some of the fleet's original vessels. It seems fitting it would meld elements from previous decades with a more modern flare.

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For example, the pool deck, with its citrusy color scheme and vintage smokestack design, is like something straight out of the '70s. Meanwhile, some of the most technologically advanced LED screens back singers and dancers in the theater and display realistic animations via fake windows in the Currents zone, which make passengers feel like they're in the Florida Everglades or Antarctica.

In other parts of the ship, a timeless, neutral color palette shapes the furnishings in the cabins and many of Carnival Jubilee 's restaurants, while bars and lounges are awash in eye-catching jewel-toned colors that belong more to the '80s and '90s. It's kitschy but classy in the most unexpected and delightful ways.

I loved the cabin layouts and new entertainment, too. Here, I'll run through the specifics of what I truly enjoyed while on board, and a few things that gave me pause.

Note: I was one of just three people on the ship who wasn't a Carnival employee or a contractor putting the finishing touches on the vessel before its first "real" sailing. For that reason, there was no live music, the shops weren't open, and many of the restaurants either weren't serving food or held unusually limited hours.

The regular battery of daily programming — trivia, game shows, pool games, etc. — also wasn't offered since there were no passengers. In other words, this wasn't a typical sailing, so my account is limited to the aspects of the ship I could experience.

What had me smiling

The throwback design.

"Can't believe that's a brand-new ship!" a former coworker commented when I posted a few photos on Instagram during my time on board. "It looks like something right out of the '90s!"

Mission accomplished, Carnival.

Love it or hate it, there are throwbacks everywhere you look on Carnival Jubilee. A forever fan of Farcus — I even have one of his piano bar tables in my living room, rescued from Carnival's former Tropicale — I think the design elements (the colors, the decor, the mixture of styles) are brilliant.

From the funky-elegant style of the three-deck Grand Central atrium with its squiggly ceiling, colored glass, floor-to-ceiling LED screens and seats that, from afar, resemble pink flamingos to the slightly more subdued monotone Piano Bar (so much purple), many of the public spaces will make you feel like you've stepped back in time.

Plus, there are nods to Carnival's first Jubilee everywhere. The vessel's original bell and ship plaque, both from 1986, are on display. Also, the boat that's positioned as a photo spot in the new Jubilee's The Shores zone bears the original Jubilee's hull number, 0717, as the fake registration number on its hull.

Then there's the Lido Deck, which features amber, orange and lime green accents, wooden latticework, faux palm trees and vintage smokestacks that will have you thinking you magically woke up in the wrong century.

The ocean theme

In addition to the vintage references, a well-executed ocean theme is carried throughout the ship. It starts with The Atlantic and The Pacific, the names of Carnival Jubilee's two main dining rooms. They feature light fixtures befitting the Great Hall at Hogwarts Castle and look as if they contain water bubbles.

Follow that up with Currents, one of the zones on board. You can walk from the Golden Mermaid bar (which boasts a giant wall mural featuring mermaids and hidden references to SpongeBob SquarePants) through an archway designed to look like a whale skeleton.

At the end of the hall, you'll find a promenade area with Carnival's new bar, Dr.Inks, Ph.D. Derived from the word "drinks," the name of the bar is also the name of its cartoon mascot. Dr. Inks is an octopus with a doctorate degree in philosophy. She has pet butterflies that she keeps in a fishbowl, a jellyfish lava lamp and an extensive collection of eyeglasses in all colors and shapes. She'll show up occasionally on the LED screens that make up the fake windows lining the promenade.

While you wait for her, try one of several social media-worthy cocktails from her bar, including my favorite — the Snapping Pop (Swedish Fish candy-infused vodka, triple sec liqueur, maraschino liqueur, Pop Rocks and green apple candy) — and take in the other sights that appear on the screens. They include drawings by children from St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Dr. Seuss characters and wildlife scenes that will make you feel like you're sailing in different areas of the world.

At set times, you can head up one deck — via a staircase with a glittering blue wall that evokes the ocean, offset by a suspended school of swimming fish — to a kiosk that allows you to change the location.

Also scheduled are events that will allow you to make your own fish, which can be seen swimming by on the screens. And, throughout each sailing, passengers will have at least one chance to see the screens pulsating along, synthesizer style, to music that will play in the Currents corridor.

If you're hungry, grab a bite at for-fee seafood eatery Emeril's Bistro 717, with a menu created by celebrity chef Emeril Lagasse.

When you're finished on Deck 7, the upper level of Currents, make your way up one more deck to The Shores, a beach- and boardwalk-centric zone that celebrates life above the sea instead of under it. There, you'll find the nautically themed Marina Bar, and the ship's deli, Beach Buns. Whatever you do, don't miss Coastal Slice, which serves free and delicious pizza.

The entertainment

Although some of Carnival's nighttime song-and-dance theater shows can feel a bit dated, cheesy and lackluster, that isn't the case on Carnival Jubilee.

When I sailed, I had a chance to see the full production of "Dear Future Husband," a show in which a group of singers and dancers boards a cruise ship for the wedding of two of their friends. The performance takes the audience through boarding, the pre-wedding festivities, the process of hair and makeup, getting dressed up and, finally, the vows, all while belting out popular songs like Bruno Mars's "Marry You" and, of course, Meghan Trainor's "Dear Future Husband."

After the show, "guests" (passengers) are encouraged to attend the "reception" (a dance party with the ship's DJ) in the ship's Limelight Lounge.

It's a fun concept but with one drawback. Passengers have to make their way to the lounge, which isn't next to the theater. (On Deck 6, the theater is next to the spa and fitness areas, and on Deck 7, it's right in front of the casino.) Because there weren't passengers to test it out on my sailing, it was unclear how many people would actually make their way to the lounge versus peeling off to gamble or find other nighttime activities.

Overall, I give the show kudos for its cute and easy-to-follow storyline.

"Dear Future Husband" isn't the only interactive entertainment you'll find on board. Another is the Lone Star Tailgate, a three-hour pool deck event in tribute to the ship's Texas home port.

Because Carnival Jubilee's homeport is in Galveston , you'll find nods to the Lone Star State throughout the ship, including on the ship's hull where there's a star — something no other vessel in the fleet has. Another offering is the tailgate party with games, dancing and prizes, where passengers can pretend they're getting ready to cheer on the fictitious Carnival University football team.

The full-scale event wasn't offered during my sailing, but I'm giving the line points for both creativity and interactivity, as well as for recognizing how much its Texas audience values American football culture.

I've never had an opportunity to sail on a pre-inaugural cruise without at least a few hundred other passengers. My voyage on Carnival Jubilee was truly a test run, and it was fascinating to see the crew in action as the last-minute details came together seamlessly. Because there were no passengers, their responsibilities turned to readying the vessel. That meant I was able to see them more relaxed as they worked on nailing every last detail before the big first sailing.

The room stewards worked hard to make sure every cabin was sparkling and set up just perfectly. Even though some of the restaurants weren't open, waiters were in their uniforms to do dry runs of evening dinner service. The retail workers ripped open box after box of inventory and, over the course of just 48 hours, stocked all of the shelves in the onboard shops. The kids club staff mobilized to organize the ship's multiple activity spaces. Everyone seemed genuinely happy to be there, and they all welcomed each other with smiles. The excitement was palpable, which bodes well for passengers since the crew is prepared and the ship is ready.

In their downtime, the crew was encouraged to attend the evening theater shows to cheer on the entertainment staff, who had been rehearsing diligently to fine-tune their performances. Crew members were also invited to test the vessel's top-deck activities, including the ropes course and the Bolt roller coaster .

On the final day of the cruise , more than 1,600 crew members gathered for a pep rally and group photo on the Lido Deck in matching Carnival jackets the line had specially made for the occasion. It was mind-boggling to see them all in one place at the same time. Until then, the sheer number of people required to keep a ship of Carnival Jubilee's size running smoothly hadn't fully registered.

As they gathered in groups by department and fanned out around the main pool, the cruise director called out each of the many facets of ship operations — culinary, housekeeping, spa, entertainment, guest services, finance — eliciting cheers from each one. (If there were an award for most enthusiastic, I'm still not sure whether it would go to the bar team or the casino staff.)

What's nice about Carnival's newer ships is that they offer a choice of more cabin categories than the line's older vessels. On Carnival Jubilee, options include inside cabins, outside rooms with windows, balcony accommodations and mini-suites, which are basically larger balcony cabins that have more closet space and can sleep up to four people.

But the ship also offers some of the first real suites in the fleet, featuring separate living room and bedroom areas, bathrooms with separate tubs and showers, and walk-in closets.

Another nice option is the Family Harbor area. Cabins in this section of the ship come in several configurations to suit different needs, and they include access to a dedicated lounge, allowing families to spend time together over snacks, drinks and even board games.

I stayed in an Ocean Suite (a type of mini-suite), and I was thoroughly impressed by the amount of storage space, which would have been more than adequate for the four people my room could accommodate. I was also floored to discover ample electrical outlets, including at least one USB port near every bed in the room — including the bunk that pulled down from overhead. These are great examples of how Carnival has paid attention to passenger preferences.

I'm not generally someone who cares about alcohol. Give me one or two pina coladas on a weeklong cruise, and I'm good to go. However, the massively creative options on the menus at both the Golden Mermaid and Dr.Inks, Ph.D. bars are absolutely worth a shoutout.

For the wow factor, the best drink I had was A Pearly Bubble. Found on the menu at the Golden Mermaid, it's a mix of gin, St-Germain liqueur, white cranberry juice, dragon fruit and lime juice. It was a bit too dry for me, so I didn't care for the taste, but you won't want to miss the presentation.

For taste, which I know is subjective, my favorite is the aforementioned Snapping Pop (Swedish Fish candy-infused vodka, triple sec liqueur, maraschino liqueur, Pop Rocks and green apple candy). I prefer sweet drinks, and this hit the spot.

Be warned that it's messy, though. My hands felt sticky for hours afterward, no matter how many times I washed them. When I finally went back to my cabin at the end of the night, I was amused to find I had Pop Rocks stuck in my hair.

What I don't care for

Location of guy's burger joint.

My first complaint isn't exclusive to Carnival Jubilee. The change in location of Guy's Burger Joint — the free burger stand created by Food Network star Guy Fieri that's now a Carnival staple — first appeared on Mardi Gras in 2021.

On most vessels, the burger counter is positioned on the Lido Deck, adjacent to the BlueIguana Cantina, which serves tacos and burritos. On Mardi Gras , Carnival Celebration and Carnival Jubilee, though, it's one deck above. It's a minor gripe, but it feels like you're going out of your way to trek up a deck to grab a burger.

This is especially true if you have a group that wants to eat together but has differing opinions about which casual venues each person wants to hit. It can be a pain to have to venture to a different area of the ship to grab food when your friends and family are looking at other dining options closer to the pool.

On the plus side, the burgers are still as tasty as they've always been.

However, just because Guy's doesn't have a presence on the main pool deck doesn't mean RedFrog — the bar associated with Guy's on many other Carnival vessels — isn't represented. In fact, a two-deck RedFrog Tiki Bar is ready to keep you hydrated during your sunbathing hours.

Texas' weird alcohol laws

To be clear, this isn't Carnival's doing, but for anyone who's trying to maximize their alcohol package , it's worth noting as a potential annoyance.

When cruise ships are in Texas waters, the onboard bars are only allowed to serve alcohol that was obtained in Texas. That means the types of alcohol available could be limited when Carnival Jubilee (or any other ship) is in port. If you're loyal to a particular brand of vodka, for example, you might have to switch things up and try some Tito's if you're hankering for a tipple before you set sail.

This rule applies from the time you board the ship until it sails into international waters, about 12 nautical miles off the coast.

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Watch CBS News

Carnival's Legend ship docks in Norfolk in wake of Baltimore's Key Bridge collapse

By Adam Thompson

Updated on: March 31, 2024 / 8:32 PM EDT / CBS Baltimore

BALTIMORE - Carnival cruise line's Legend docked in Norfolk, Virginia, on Sunday following the collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore last week.

The ship left for its voyage out of Baltimore on Sunday, March 24.

On Tuesday, a cargo ship collided with the Key Bridge, knocking it down and sending eight construction workers into the Patapsco River. Two were rescued, the bodies of two others were recovered and four more remain missing and are presumed dead.

The Port of Baltimore has been suspended for ships and vessels while crews clean up the channel.

Maryland was given $60 million of Emergency Relief funding for the cleanup efforts, which is currently underway . 

The port is the  ninth-busiest  in the United States, according to Census data, and handled more than $80 billion in imports and exports last year, the most in 20 years. It is also home to Royal Caribbean, Carnival and Norwegian  cruise lines .

Directly, the port supports 15,300 jobs, while another 140,000 in the area are related to port activities. The jobs provide a combined $3.3 billion in personal income, according to a CBS News  report . 

Cruise Lines International Association , the largest cruise industry trade association, says 12 cruise ships made 115 trips through Baltimore in 2024. And in 2023, about 444,000 cruise passengers moved through the port, the 29th largest in the U.S.

Ragina Ali, a representative of AAA, was on the Legend and sent WJZ photos of the end stop in Norfolk. The passengers were given bus rides back to their cars at the Port of Baltimore.

I was raised in Ohio, but made stops in Virginia and North Carolina, before landing in Maryland.

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Carnival Cruise Line currently has 24 cruise ships in service. Carnival Cruise Line is the largest cruise company in the world, based on passengers carried, and the flagship brand of Carnival Corporation & plc. Known as “America’s Cruise Line” for carrying more Americans and serving more U.S. homeports than any other  cruise line .

The Newest Carnival Ships On Order

Carnival has made things a little confusing for Cruise Addicts by completely renaming and refurbishing some of its older vessels. If that wasn’t confusing enough, they have recently moved and renamed several ships from the Costa brand to Carnival Cruise Line. Carnival also has plans to move more Costa ships to Carnival in the future. In brief, not every new ship is brand new.

This guide will give you some insight into what is actually Carnival’s newest Carnival cruise ships. This also includes also ships that are currently under construction as well as ships that have been refurbished and renamed.

Let’s explore the upcoming additions to the Carnival Cruise Line fleet.

Carnival Jubilee – 2023

Carnival Jubilee  is under construction at Meyer Werft in Papenburg, Germany. Her delivery date is expected to be in early December 2023 .

She will be the newest ship in the  Excel class , Carnival Jubilee will share many of the same features guests love on  Mardi Gras  – including the award-winning  BOLT, The Ultimate Sea Coaster . She will also feature unique experiences and signature venues of her own.

Carnival Jubilee will begin sailing from  Galveston  in December of 2023 and will offer seven-day Western Caribbean cruise vacations with stops in Cozumel and Costa Maya, Mexico, as well as Mahogany Bay (Isla Roatan), Honduras.

Carnival Firenze – 2024

The ship will feature the cruise line’s new  Carnival Fun Italian Style  experience, which debuts with the June 2023 arrival of  Carnival Venezia  in  New York . Carnival Fun Italian Style incorporates Carnival’s signature high-energy environment, friendly team members and many familiar venues, plus several new, creative concepts – from Italian-themed restaurants, bars and entertainment .

Carnival Firenze  will join the fleet in spring 2024 after being transferred from sister brand Costa Cruise Lines. She will sail from  Long Beach, Calif.  The ship will offer a variety of cruises year-round, with sailings set for popular destinations in  Baja , California and the  Mexican Riviera . This ship sailed under the name Costa Firenze with Costa and is also a Vista Class ship and sister to the Costa Venezia which has already joined the Carnival fleet.

Previously known as Costa Firenze, this is also a Vista-class ship , and a sister ship to Costa Venezia, which will have joined the Carnival fleet a year prior. Both of these ships are retaining their Costa funnels and a will have modified hull art as a nod to their Italian roots and unique style.

The Newest Carnival Ships Sailing in 2023

Discover the latest and greatest Carnival ships that are currently out at sea. Check out the list below, starting with the newest addition.

Carnival Venezia – 2023

Carnival Venezia  was initially launched in 2019 for Costa Cruises and is 133,500 GRTs and carries 4,977 passengers. She is considered part of the  Venice Class  and was the former  Costa Venezia .

Carnival Celebration – 2022

Carnival Celebration is the second ship in the popular  Excel Class  and sister to  Mardi Gra s. She carries 5,282 passengers (based on two per cabin). The Godmother of the ship is Cassidy Gifford.

The ship takes her name from a former Carnival cruise ship,  Celebration , that was part of the  Holiday class . The name also pays homage to the companies long history as the ship was delivered during  Carnival Cruise  Line’s 50th birthday year.

Carnival Luminosa – 2022

Carnival Luminosa  was originally launched in 2008 for Costa Cruises and is 92,600 GRT’s and carries 2,826 passengers. She is considered part of the  Spirit Class  and was the former  Costa Luminosa .

Mardi Gras – 2021

The Mardi Gras is a ship belonging to Carnival’s Excellence Class, also known as Excel Class, and is the sister ship of Carnival Celebration. With a capacity of 5,282 passengers based on double occupancy, it is named after a former Carnival cruise ship that sailed for two decades. The Miss Dominican Republic , Kimberly Jiménez, is the ship’s godmother.

Mardi Gras made history by being the first ship in North America to run on Liquified Natural Gas (LNG). Additionally, it features BOLT, the Ultimate Speed Coaster, which is the first-ever roller coaster on a ship.

Mardi Gras is also the only ship name in the current Carnival Cruise Line fleet without including the word Carnival. This honors Carnival’s original  Mardi Gras  that first sailed for the brand on March 11, 1972.

Carnival Panorama – 2019

Carnival Panorama is the third ship in the  Vista Class . She carries 4,008 passengers (based on two per cabin). She was christened by  Godmother Vanna White . The ship debuted  Carnival  Kitchen, a first-in-fleet culinary center that offers more than 15 different interactive cooking, baking and decorating demonstrations.

Carnival Horizon – 2018

The Vista Class features the Carnival Horizon as its second ship, capable of accommodating 3,960 passengers in two-person cabins. The ship’s Godmother is the versatile Queen Latifah, who is renowned for her skills in rapping, acting, and singing.

Carnival Horizon stands out for its groundbreaking features, such as the Guy’s Pig & Anchor Bar-B-Que Smokehouse|Brewhouse, and the first-ever Dr. Seuss-themed water park .

Renamed Carnival Ships

Carnival Cruise Line has changed the names of three of its ships over the years. In order to enhance the ships, they have undergone a thorough dry dock renovation process where they are stripped down and updated with new features and décor.

Although the renovated ships are as good as new, they are not as large or have some of the newest features available on the Excel Class ships like Mardi Gras and Carnival Celebration.

Carnival Sunshine

Carnival Sunshine is the first ship in the Sunshine Class and is a sister ship to Carnival Sunrise and Carnival Radiance. It has a passenger capacity of 2,984 based on double occupancy.

This vessel was first put into service in 1996 under the name Carnival Destiny, and was the inaugural ship of the Destiny Class. In 2013, the Carnival Destiny underwent a remarkable 49-day, $155-million dollar refurbishment and was renamed and reclassified as the first Sunshine Class ship. The ship’s Godmother is Lin Arison.

Carnival Sunrise

Carnival Sunrise is the second ship of the Sunshine Class, and it is a sister ship to Carnival Sunshine and Carnival Radiance. The ship has a capacity of 2,984 passengers based on two per cabin, and its Godmother is Kelly Arison.

This ship originally entered service in 1999 as the former  Destiny Class  ship named the  Carnival Triumph . In 2019 the  Carnival Triumph  received an incredible $200 million transformation that resulted in it being renamed and also reclassified as a  Sunshine Class  ship.

Carnival Radiance

Carnival Radiance is the third ship in the Sunshine Class, along with sister ships Carnival Sunshine and Carnival Sunrise. It has a capacity of 2,984 passengers based on double occupancy.

This ship entered service in 2000 as the former  Destiny Class  ship named the  Carnival Victory . In 2021, the  Carnival Victory  received a massive transformation that resulted in it being renamed and reclassified as a  Sunshine Class  ship. The Godmother of the ship is Dr. Lucille O’Neal.

Final Thoughts

Carnival Cruise Line has had a lot of dynamic changes. They scrapped many of their older ships in order to save money and focus on newer and more profitable ships after the Covid-19 pandemic shutdown.

As you can see Carnival Cruise Line builds new ships regularly with a new ship coming out almost one per year. However, Some of the newer ships are also moved from a sister brands or could even be a refurbished older vessel like we’ve seen with the Sunshine Class ships.

I hope you have enjoyed some of the history and tidbits about the Carnival Cruise Line fleet as we explored the newest carnival ships in the fleet.

Take a look at our full list of Carnival ships, listed from  Newest to Oldest .

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‘She had cookies in the bottom of her bag’: Carnival Cruise dogs are now everywhere, expert warns. They’re even better than you think

‘carnival is still not playing.’.

Grace Rampaul

Posted on Apr 10, 2024   Updated on Apr 10, 2024, 12:40 am CDT

As marijuana consumption has increased once again to its peaking usage rates of the ’70s, Carnival Cruise line is cracking down on regulating both medical and recreational drugs to ensure that all cruise-goers can satisfy their desire of “All for Fun. Fun for All.”

In a TikTok posted on Monday, cruise enthusiast and influencer Melissa ( @professormelissa ) warns voyagers of Carnival Cruise’s newest apparent tactic to combat on-ship drug usage, more prevalent drug dogs. Receiving 1,716 likes and more than 130,600 views, Melissa briefly walks viewers through the embarkment process, which includes a K-9 narcotic detection team. 

“Y’all Carnival is still not playing when it comes to the drug-sniffing dogs,” Melissa forewarns. “Here’s what you can expect.” 

Dressed to the nines, Melissa stands in the doorway of her Carnival stateroom after making it safely on-board and continues her caveat via voice-over. 

At this point, the TikTok flashes to a security notice posted by Carnival, directly outside the maritime passenger terminal doors, presumably giving voyagers a chance to prepare prior to entering the way station. 

“Canine dogs on duty, drug free zone,” the sign reads in large lettering, accompanied by finer print directly below. 

“As per federal law, marijuana including maijuana for medical purposes and any other illegal drugs, are not allowed on board. Anyone in possession of illegal drugs will be disembarked at the guest’s expense and is subject to prosecution by the authorities,” the sign explains. 

Once again Melissa emphasizes just how strongly Carnival has been cracking down in recent years. 

With Tory Lanez’s song “ Hurts me (Alone At Prom) ,” echoing in the background, Melissa pans to her series of seemingly infinite bags on the floor, each being individually sniffed by a drug dog. 

“UH OH!” titles the short clip, but based on the introduction to the TikTok, it’s apparent Melissa had nothing to worry about.

Now a dog’s sense of smell is 10,000 times stronger than humans , and it’s proven that virtually no machine can compare to a dog’s nose. For example, when sniffing dogs search for explosives, they are accurate 90% of the time in comparison to their mechanical counterparts who only reach rates of 14% success. 

Similar accuracy rates for narcotic detection canines have been found as well. 

So, it’s clear why some Carnival passengers may be a little extra nervous when boarding their vacation at sea. 

“Bags down for the dogs,” another sign reads, showing how clear Carnival is with its expectations. 

And according to the website, Carnival reserves the right to do this as well, and states this explicitly:

“ Under U.S. federal law, all cruise terminals in the U.S. are federal facilities and, along with our ships, are drug-free zones. Customs and law enforcement authorities in U.S. homeports and foreign destinations are present and have the right to conduct routine and random inspections with the assistance of narcotics-sniffing dogs. There is zero tolerance for possession of narcotics (which includes marijuana, even in those states where marijuana has been decriminalized). All guests and their personal items may be subject to screening by law enforcement and any guest found in possession of illegal drugs and other prohibited items may be subject to fines, arrest, and denial of boarding without refund or compensation. This is beyond Carnival’s control. Furthermore, Carnival reserves the right to deploy narcotics-sniffing dogs in terminals and on board our ships in order to enforce our obligations to uphold federal law.”

Owned by Carnival Corporation, the cruise line is a part of the world’s largest cruise ship operator, accompanied by sister lines Princess Cruises, Holland America Line, and Cunard Lard.

The Daily Dot has talked with other experts on the subject as well. In an exclusive with the Daily Dot, cruise-planner Mandy ( @mandythecruiseplanner ) warned of similar scenarios on the cruise line. And though she wants her followers to have as pleasurable of an experience as possible, Mandy warns that nothing can ruin a cruise more than having to disembark for a small marijuana charge. 

Even commenters on Melissa’s TikTok acknowledged how persistent the drug dogs can be, detecting almost everything that was out of the ordinary. 

“My sister has a medical card in Florida, but had nothing in her bag and they still pulled her aside we think because her canvas bag smelled like it,” one commenter said. 

“Back in November the dog pulled my sister’s bags for a search because she had cookies in the bottom of her bag (regular cookies),” another warned.

@professormelissa This now seems to be standard practice. #Cruise #cruiseship #cruisetok #cruiselife #cruiser #travel #traveltiktok #cruisewithme #cruisetips #cruisetipsandtricks #cruisehacks #vacation #cruiseships #cruisecontent #cruisingcontent #cruisevacation #cruiselover #cruiseblogger #firsttimecruiser #cruisequestions #cruisefacts #goingonacruise #crusingtok #cruiseessentials #traveler #royalcaribbean #carnivalcruiseline #choosefun #virginvoyages #norwegiancruise #hollandcruise #hollandamericaline #disneycruiseline #msccruise #princesscruises #carnivalcruise ♬ Hurts Me (Alone At Prom) – Tory Lanez

Though of course there were some commenters debunking Melissa’s advice. Saying that they had gotten one or two small things across the terminal, at the end of the day it comes down to risk mitigation. It is up to the passenger to decide what they are willing to test, and if they decide to bring drugs on board, it is their own vacation at risk.

The Daily Dot reached out to Melissa ( @professormelissa ) for comment via TikTok DM and Carnival Cruise Line via their media email. 

Grace Rampaul is a social and multimedia intern at the Daily Dot. She is a senior at the University of Texas at Austin, with a major in Journalism and focus on Media and Entertainment Studies. Grace is based in Austin and covers trending stories, entertainment, cultural phenomenon, and all things social.

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Eight passengers stranded on African island after Norwegian cruise ship left without them

A dream cruise vacation has turned into a nightmare for eight passengers left stranded on the African island of São Tomé and Príncipe after their ship left without them because they were late to return from a private tour.

The tourists — six from the U.S. and two from Australia — were aboard the Norwegian Dawn, a Norwegian cruise line ship , which departed from Cape Town, South Africa, on March 20 for a 21-day voyage up the coast of Africa set to end in Barcelona, Spain, on April 10.

But on Wednesday, the group of eight tourists was late to return to the ship by more than an hour for the all-aboard time of 3 p.m. from a private excursion on the island, which was not organized by the cruise line.

Jay and Jill Campbell of South Carolina were part of the group that was left behind.

They said that their tour’s operator notified the cruise captain that they were going to be late to rejoin the ship and that the local Coast Guard tried to get them on the vessel but that they weren’t allowed to board.

As a result, the couple and the rest of the group have been stranded for days on the island off Nigeria, grappling with language, currency issues and complicated travel to catch up with the ship.

“The lovely people of São Tomé were very gracious, very hospitable. They had reached out as much as they could to help us find hotels,” Jay Campbell said on NBC's "TODAY" show Tuesday morning.

“We were able to get to a tour agency there to arrange flights to the next port of call. ... Very difficult process — you’re dealing with multiple languages, language barriers, you’re dealing with different currencies ... finding someone that even has dollars ... trying to get an agent to understand where we need to get to.

"It’s one of those ‘You can’t get there from here,’" he added.

A Norwegian spokesperson called the incident a “very unfortunate situation” and said, “Guests are responsible for ensuring they return to the ship at the published time.”

The cruise line said that after the guests failed to return, their passports were delivered to local port agents, in line with protocol. The company said it was working with local authorities to understand “the requirements and visas needed for the guests to reboard the ship at the next available port of call.”

On Monday, the guests had made arrangements to rejoin the ship in Banjul, Gambia, but the ship was unable to safely dock there because of “adverse weather conditions” and “tidal restrictions,” Norwegian said. The guests were then contacted and provided with information to rejoin the ship at Dakar, Senegal, on Tuesday. 

Jill Campbell said they traveled through seven countries in 48 hours to arrive in Senegal on Monday night.

But the couple was reconsidering whether they even wanted to return to the cruise.

"We are considering whether or not we are going to board the ship. It is in dock here in Senegal," she said. "We believe there was a basic duty of care that they had forgotten about, so it does concern us."

"After what we witnessed, we truly believe that although there’s a set of rules or policies that the ship may have followed, they followed those rules too rigidly. I believe that they really forgot that they are people working in the hospitality industry and really the safety and well-being of the customers should be their first priority," she added.

Ultimately, the eight passengers did rejoin the cruise before 8:30 a.m. ET Tuesday in Dakar, Senegal, Norwegian told NBC News in an e-mail Tuesday evening, after this story originally published.

Norwegian said the passengers were responsible for making their own travel arrangements to rejoin the ship.

"Despite the series of unfortunate events outside of our control, we will be reimbursing these eight guests for their travel costs from Banjur, Gambia to Dakar, Senegal," a cruise line spokesperson said in a statement. "We remain in communication with the guests and are providing additional information as it becomes available."

A silver lining of the catastrophe was that the Campbells were able to connect with another Norwegian Dawn passenger — Julia Lenkoff, 80 — who was also left on the island, but for a medical reason.

Lenkoff was on a different day tour Wednesday. She had "medically disembarked" from the cruise to seek local treatment on that day, Norwegian said.

Norwegian said that its care team tried to call Lenkoff several times and was unable to reach her and that it worked with its port agent in São Tomé and Príncipe for updates on her health.

The Campbells met Lenkoff and were able to put her in contact with her family in California, who flew her home — a move Lenkoff's daughter said "saved her life."

"She's a world traveler. She travels all the time. So this was going to be one of her bucket list trips, because she's been to 120 countries so far, and she wanted to get to 130," her daughter, Lana Lenkoff Geis, said in an interview that aired Tuesday on "TODAY."

Norwegian said Lenkoff was escorted on a flight to Lisbon, Portugal, then put in the care of airport staff members to continue her journey back to the U.S., where she has safely returned.

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Carnival Panorama

A member of Carnival Cruise Line's Vista class, the Carnival Panorama debuted in December 2019 as the first new Carnival ship homeported on the West Coast in 20 years. With a capacity of 4,008 guests and 1,450 crew, Panorama is one of Carnival's largest ships.

Among the ship's standout amenities is the Sky Zone – a trampoline park that offers dodgeball and basketball games, toddler bounce sessions and more. Other unique Carnival amenities found on the ship include a suspended bicycle in the air called SkyRide, a sprawling water park, the Cloud 9 Spa and an open-air recreation area and ropes course.

Dining options on board are just as diverse. In fact, there are more than a dozen dining venues aboard Carnival Panorama, including multiple Guy Fieri eateries, a sushi restaurant, a steakhouse, a seafood eatery and more.

Carnival Panorama offers the line's typical range of accommodation classes (Interior, Ocean View, Balcony and Suite) along with Family Harbor and Havana staterooms and suites. Havana Cabana Suites feature rain showers and patios equipped with hammock chairs, along with exclusive access to the Havana Bar & Pool. Meanwhile, Family Harbor accommodations are located next to the ship's Family Harbor Lounge and afford guests special perks, such as a free evening of babysitting and complimentary kids meals in the onboard specialty restaurants.

Sailing from Los Angeles , the ship cruises to destinations in Mexico, including Puerto Vallarta and Cabo San Lucas . It also departs from Singapore for transpacific voyages. 

Carnival Radiance

Carnival Radiance (previously Carnival Victory) set sail in December 2021 after a full transformation. The ship, which holds 2,984 guests and 1,108 crew members, boasts plenty of fun indoors and outdoors for cruisers of all ages.

Carnival Radiance features a ropes course, waterslides, a mini-golf course, dive-in movies in the evening and a sports area for activities like soccer, basketball, volleyball and boxing. The ship also offers a kids club for youths ages 2 to 17. The pool is surrounded by lounge chairs – perfect for relaxing – and those seeking additional quiet space can spend some time at the Serenity Adult-Only Retreat. Inside, the spa, the piano bar, the comedy club and the performance event venue, which features musicals, concerts and more, round out some of Carnival Radiance's most popular offerings. Dining options (14 eateries in total, including a Chef's Table experience) abound on this ship as well: Cruisers can enjoy casual fare at Big Chicken or Guy's Burger Joint, or sit down for a more upscale meal at Cucina del Capitano, Bonsai Sushi or the Steakhouse.

Staterooms aboard the ship include Interior (porthole and picture window choices are available), Ocean View, Balcony and Suite category options. Carnival Radiance sets sail from Los Angeles to destinations in Hawaii and Mexico .

Carnival Mardi Gras

There's a good reason why Carnival named one of its newest ships Mardi Gras. The ship – which launched in July 2021 – is not only named after the first Carnival ship that entered service in 1972, but also features amenities and activities that keep guests entertained and the atmosphere energized. Carnival designed the ship with six different zones, each with a unique flair. Kids can play all day in the Ultimate Playground, which features WaterWorks (the onboard water park), SkyCourse (a ropes course) and Bolt: Ultimate Sea Coaster, an onboard roller coaster that travels up to 40 mph. Meanwhile, adults can take advantage of Lido, where the RedFrog Tiki Bar flanks one of the ship's pools. Additional activities include a comedy club, a casino, Family Feud Live (yes – it looks like the famous show's set) and a spa.

As you might expect from its large-scale amenities, Mardi Gras is sizeable: It accommodates up to 6,465 passengers and 1,745 crew members. To keep up with demand, the ship offers close to 20 different dining venues serving everything from sushi to burgers to fried chicken. When travelers need refreshments or a nightcap, they can visit one of seven bars and lounges.

Following a full day of fun, cruisers will need a quiet retreat to rest their heads. Staterooms feature Carnival Comfort Collection linens, TVs and a dedicated room steward. Upgraded rooms may include perks like exclusive access to ship amenities, bottles of water, in-room coffee makers and priority check-in and disembarkation. Rooms range in size from 158 square feet for interior staterooms to the massive 1,120-square-foot Carnival Excel Presidential Suite.

Catch Mardi Gras in Caribbean locales like San Juan, Puerto Rico ; Cozumel and Grand Turk .

U.S. News Insider Tip: To dine at Bonsai Teppanyaki (available on Celebration , Horizon , Panorama , Venezia and Mardi Gras), make your reservation as soon as possible. The restaurant only seats 16 people at a time, so reservations go fast. –  Karon Warren , Contributor  

Carnival Horizon

Carnival Horizon – which set sail in April 2018 – accommodates 3,960 passengers and 1,450 crew members. The ship offers a plethora of amenities for travelers of all ages. Children can ride the SkyRide suspended bike, play at the Dr. Seuss-themed water park and climb the ropes course, while parents can lounge on an adults-only deck and pamper themselves at the Cloud 9 Spa. At night, the whole family can enjoy live performances.

Onboard dining options are also plentiful, with 11 eateries that serve everything from steaks to Italian classics to burgers. Carnival Horizon was the first in Carnival's fleet to offer a teppanyaki-style restaurant and Guy Fieri's Pig & Anchor Smokehouse and Brewhouse. 

The ship has a variety of cabins for passengers to choose from, ranging from budget-friendly Interior staterooms to specialty suites with spa, nautical and Havana themes. Each comes with modern conveniences like a minibar, a flat-screen TV and a Carnival Comfort bed.

Carnival Horizon departs from  Miami  for voyages throughout the Caribbean. 

Carnival Celebration

Carnival Celebration debuted in early November 2022 and boasts a Las Vegas -style theater, a casino, an arcade, a saltwater pool and a top-of-the-line rooftop rollercoaster – the first one of its kind at sea. Complete with six separate zones to explore, including a summer-themed zone and a playground-themed zone, the 1,130-foot-long cruise ship has something for everyone. Celebration can hold up to 5,374 passengers and 1,735 crew members, and it features more than 20 dining venues, including a barbecue smokehouse and a full-service sushi restaurant.

Staterooms are comfortable with plush bedding, vanity mirrors and built-in reading lights, but for additional perks, guests can opt for a room with a balcony or ocean views. If you don't mind splurging a little, the Carnival Excel Suite offers upgrades like concierge service and complimentary admission to Loft 19, the ship's exclusive lounge fitted with infinity whirlpools and shaded cabanas.

Carnival Celebration explores an array of picturesque destinations, including Cozumel, Mexico ; San Juan, Puerto Rico; St. Maarten and more. It sails out of Miami . 

Carnival Miracle

Like other Carnival ships, the 2,124-passenger Carnival Miracle boasts activities and entertainment geared toward travelers of all ages. Thanks to a renovation in 2020, the ship features upgrades like Guy's Burger Joint, WaterWorks, RedFrog Rum Bar, BlueIguana Cantina and more. The ship also received a minor refresh to interior and exterior spaces in 2022. 

Even with the added venues, a nearly 2-to-1 guest-to-crew ratio ensures service is a priority. And compared to other Carnival ships, Miracle offers a higher percentage of cabins with ocean views. While Interior staterooms provide more wallet-friendly digs, Ocean View, Balcony and Suite category cabins offer more space and scenery. All cabins come equipped with flat-screen TVs and 24-hour room service.

During days at sea, grown-ups can enjoy poolside lounging or the adults-only Serenity Retreat, while kids ages 2 to 17 can play at age-specific programs.  There are also entertainment options like the Punchliner Comedy Club, the SkyBox Sports Bar and the Seuss at Sea program. Once the family works up an appetite, they'll have their pick of the main dining room, the Lido buffet, a specialty steakhouse (for an extra fee) and more.

Carnival Miracle departs from Galveston, Texas ;  Los Angeles  and  San Francisco  to destinations in the Caribbean, the Panama Canal,  Hawaii , Mexico , and Alaska . 

Carnival Luminosa

Formerly a Costa Cruises  ship, Luminosa joined the Carnival fleet in November 2022. This 2,260-passenger, 926-crew member cruise ship includes highlights such as a casino, a spa, an adults-only retreat and a comedy club.

There are plenty of ways to occupy your time on board, from deck parties and art seminars to karaoke and martini tastings. Plus, Luminosa offers a slew of amenities geared toward kids, including story time, supervised camps, a video arcade and a teens-only hangout space. When hunger strikes, this Carnival cruise ship offers around 10 eateries serving staples like sushi, steak and pizza.

Interior staterooms come equipped with a flat-screen TV, climate control, an in-room safe and a dedicated stateroom attendant. If you'd prefer accommodations with windows, consider upgrading to an ocean-view room or a cabin with a balcony. Guests seeking even more luxury can opt for a suite, which features exclusive perks like priority check-in; boarding and dining assignments; bathrobes and a pillow-top mattress. Cruisers looking for extra relaxation should consider a Cloud 9 Spa stateroom or suite, which includes a welcome ritual, two complimentary fitness classes, unlimited use of the thermal suites and hydrotherapy pool, priority spa reservations and more.

Carnival Luminosa departs from Seattle, Washington , and the Australian cities of Brisbane and Sydney . It sails to destinations in Alaska and the South Pacific, among others.

Carnival Breeze

The 3,690-passenger Carnival Breeze was introduced in 2012 and last updated in 2017. On board, cruisers will find outdoor activities like a water park and a SportsSquare with games like mini-golf, as well as supervised (and free) age-appropriate programs for kids and teens. While the younger passengers play, adults can relax at the adults-only Serenity retreat, get treatments at the Cloud 9 Spa and sip cocktails at one of the ship's bars. 

As far as dining goes, cruisers can choose between several food options, including sushi, Indian, 24/7 pizza and more. Guy's Burger Joint and Guy's Pig & Anchor Bar-B-Que Smokehouse, in partnership with celebrity chef Guy Fieri, are passenger favorites. Nighttime entertainment ranges from karaoke to shows at the Punchliner Comedy Club.

Carnival Breeze offers a variety of cabin categories, all of which include flat-screen TVs and 24-hour room service. The ship maintains a nearly 1-to-3 crew-to-guest ratio. While some recent cruisers appreciated the family atmosphere, others were disappointed by long lines and wait times during dinner service. 

Carnival Breeze cruises to the Caribbean from Galveston, Texas . 

Carnival Conquest

Last revamped in 2022, Carnival Conquest features cosmetic enhancements to select staterooms, as well as upgrades like new carpeting and lighting in public areas. Still, some felt Conquest showed its age despite these upgrades and could use a more major refurbishment. The ship appeals to a wide range of travelers and budgets, with amenities like Seuss at Sea, The Punchliner Comedy Club and the Alchemy Bar. It also includes "Fun Ship 2.0" features like Guy's Burger Joint and an outdoor movie theater, as well as signature bars BlueIguana Tequila Bar and RedFrog Rum Bar.

The ship carries 2,980 passengers and 1,150 crew members. Accommodations, ranging from Interior staterooms to Grand Suites, offer standard amenities such as flat-screen TVs and 24-hour room service. Those looking for more space should consider splurging on a Suite category room, which includes a large balcony, a walk-in closet and a whirlpool tub. 

Along with signature line amenities, including a full-service spa, a casino and an expansive pool deck, the ship provides supervised programs and entertainment for cruisers ages 2 to 17, with various activities geared toward specific age groups. 

Conquest departs from Miami  for sailings in the Bahamas , the Caribbean and the Panama Canal.

Carnival Vista

Introduced in mid-2016, Carnival Vista welcomes up to 3,934 passengers and 1,450 crew members. The ship offers unique dining, entertainment and cabin options not found on other ships in the fleet. In addition to staples like kids clubs, an adults-only retreat and a waterpark, new activities include the SkyRide suspended bike course, the first IMAX theater at sea and a Dr. Seuss-inspired library. The ship's next refurbishment is scheduled for early 2024. 

Recent passengers were most impressed with the accommodations. Typical cabin categories (Interior, Ocean View, Balcony and Suite) are available, but cruisers recommend splurging on the Family Harbor or Havana staterooms and suites. Those who select Family Harbor cabins receive exclusive 24-hour lounge access with free breakfast and kid-friendly movies and games. Plus, children staying in these rooms enjoy free meals at most specialty restaurants and a free night of babysitting. Havana category rooms cater to adults, with access to a private bar and pool, as well as extra-large outdoor spaces and rainfall showers in suites. 

Dining options are just as diverse. While the Lido buffet offers everything from pasta to stir-fry to salad, other complimentary venues include BlueIguana Cantina and Guy's Burger Joint. A number of specialty restaurants are also available for an extra fee, such as JiJi Asian Kitchen and Cucina del Capitano.  

Carnival Vista departs from Galveston  and Orlando for sailings in the Bahamas and the Caribbean. 

Disclaimers about ship ratings: A ship’s Health Rating is based on vessel inspection scores published by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). If a ship did not receive a CDC score within 22 months prior to the calculation of its Overall Rating, its Health Rating appears as N/A; in such a case, the ship’s Overall Rating is calculated using the average Health Rating of all CDC-rated ships within the cruise line. All ship Traveler Ratings are based on ratings provided under license by Cruiseline.com.

If you make a purchase from our site, we may earn a commission. This does not affect the quality or independence of our editorial content.

Carnival Lists Miami Headquarters for Sale; Looking to Downsize

• April 10, 2024

Carnival Corporation has listed its headquarters in Miami for sale, after owning it for nearly three decades.

According to Bloomberg , the company is now looking to downsize to about 300,000 square feet of new office space in the Miami area in the next two years. 

Cruise Industry News understands many Carnival employees work fully remote following the pandemic.

A spokesperson confirmed that the company is “exploring options for new office facilities,” according to the Bloomberg story. 

Located 15 miles from the Port of Miami, the 470,000 square feet Doral headquarters has served as Carnival’s base since it was acquired in 1983. The Miami space is being listed with commercial real estate broker Cushman & Wakefield Plc.

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Vacation horror as ‘drunk’ son, 20, jumps from royal caribbean cruise in front of family.

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A cruise turned into a nightmare for people aboard Royal Caribbean’s Liberty of the Seas when a young man jumped overboard shortly after 4 a.m. Thursday.

The 18-story ship was sailing between Cuba and the Bahamas’ Grand Inagua Island when the as-yet-unidentified man jumped off one of the decks.

According to onlookers, his father and brother watched helplessly as he leaped over the side.

Some passengers said it appeared to be an impulsive, spur-of-the-moment decision. 

“I had hung out with him and his brother in the hot tub until 3:30,” passenger Bryan Sims tells The Post. ” It was standing room only. He sat right beside me the whole time.”

“He was pretty drunk,” Sims continues.

“As we were walking from the hot tub back to the elevators, his dad and brother were walking towards us. His dad was fussing at him for being drunk, I guess.” “When we got to them, he said to his dad, ‘I’ll fix this right now.’ And he jumped out the window in front of us all.” 

“There was a lot of yelling, and the crew was alerted immediately,” another passenger,  Deborah Morrison, told The Post.

“His family was horrified. Just beside themselves. I can’t even begin to imagine what they’re going through.”

“It was insane,” says Sims. “It was just surreal.” 

In a statement to The Post, Royal Caribbean said its crew immediately sprang into action following the incident.

“The ship’s crew immediately launched a search and rescue effort alongside the US Coast Guard, who has taken over the search,” the statement reads.

“Our Care Team is providing support and assistance to the guest’s family during this difficult time. For the privacy of the guest and their family, we have no additional details to share.”

News of the apparent suicide attempt quickly spread among the guests — and many of them tried to help in any way they could.

“The early morning was definitely somber as so many people came out of their cabins to stare at the sea, hoping to be able to aid in finding the person,” said Amy Phelps Fouse, a passenger on the ship.

“Royal Caribbean has been excellent at communicating updates throughout the day,” Fouse continued. “They have asked that people act with compassion in light of the tragic situation.”

Overboard incidents on cruise ships are rare.

According to the Washington Post , about 386 people were reported to have gone overboard on the major cruise lines between 2000 to 2020.

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The incidents, whether accidental or intentional, are often deadly.

In the past few years, most cruise lines have enacted onboard safety measures and surveillance systems to help reduce the risk of overboard deaths.

The Coast Guard confirmed to The Post it is still conducting a search and rescue operation in the waters off Cuba. The man has not yet been found.

If you are struggling with suicidal thoughts or are experiencing a mental health crisis and live in New York City, you can call 1-888-NYC-WELL for free and confidential crisis counseling. If you live outside the five boroughs, you can dial the 24/7 National Suicide Prevention hotline at 988 or go to  SuicidePreventionLifeline.org .

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